Your Diabetes Team
Learn how specialists such as
endocrinologists, dietitians and diabetes educators can help you cope with
diabetes.
The best way to manage diabetes?
Build your healthcare team. Diabetes is a complex disease that affects several
systems in your body -- so it takes a village to effectively treat it. Your
primary doctor, although an important member of your team, is not equipped to
go it alone. That's where specialists like endocrinologists, dieticians, and
certified diabetes educators come in. Here's a list of the specialists you may
need to include in your diabetes care:
Primary care physician. Your primary care physician provides the
foundation of your diabetes healthcare team. See your doctor at least twice a
year (more, if recommended) for a wellness exam and an A1c blood sugar test.
Ask for a check of your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and kidney
values, too.
Endocrinologist. An endocrinologist treats problems with the body's
hormone-producing system and is specifically trained to treat the insulin
problems common in diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes normally see an
endocrinologist, but those with type 2 may not need to if their blood sugar is
well controlled.
Diabetes educator. A diabetes educator, also called a certified
diabetes educator (CDE), can teach you several ways to better cope with
diabetes. This includes instructions on how to use diabetes medications, how to
give yourself insulin shots, and how to check your blood sugar levels.
Dietitian. In addition to helping you choose foods that will
stabilize rather than increase your blood sugar, a registered dietitian can
show you how to read food labels, plan meals, and schedule meals around
medications and exercise.
Dentist. People with high blood sugar have less saliva and more
salivary sugars in their mouths. This can feed oral bacteria and increase your
risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. See your dentist at least
twice a year.
Eye doctor. Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your
retina and affect your eyesight. Go to an eye doctor who is familiar with
diabetes at least once yearly to get screened for cataracts, glaucoma, and any
other vision changes.
Foot doctor. Diabetes can get in the way of good circulation and
damage the nerves in your feet. Visit a podiatrist twice yearly and inspect
your own feet daily for cuts or sores, blisters, injuries, ingrown toenails, or
signs of infection.
Exercise physiologist. If your doctor is unable to recommend a safe
exercise regimen, ask for a referral to an exercise physiologist trained in
diabetes.
Pharmacist. Your pharmacist can educate you about your diabetes
medications, their side effects, effects they can have on your blood sugar, and
potential drug interactions.
Counselor or therapist. The right mental health expert can help you
cope with the emotional impact of diabetes. Also, a social worker can provide
resources to help you with any medical or financial difficulties.
Support group. Talking with other people who live with diabetes can
give you support and valuable insight into how to cope with your condition. In
fact, a recent study found that, compared to normal care or financial
incentives, talking with peers with good blood sugar control helped people with
diabetes better control their own blood sugar levels.
Friends and family. Nurture ties with friends and family members.
They are your first line of understanding, support, and comfort.
You. The most important member of your diabetes healthcare team?
You. Ultimately, you're in charge of your healthcare team and your diabetes
care plan. So take the driver's seat on your road trip to a younger, healthier
life with diabetes.
Diabetes Food Basics
A healthy diabetic diet is your
best strategy for blood sugar and weight control.
Your diet is a key part of your
diabetes-management plan. The food you eat can help you regulate your blood
sugar, maintain or move toward a healthy weight, and meet your treatment goals.
Like any smart eating plan, a diabetic diet embraces a wide range of delicious
fare -- lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes, low-fat dairy,
fish, and more. If you plan your meals right, there's even room for dessert.
Work with your dietician to
create a personal plan that is manageable, helps you meet your targets, and
accommodates your personal food preferences. If a registered dietician isn't
part of your diabetes healthcare team, talk to your nurse-educator or doctor to
recommend a nutrition specialist.
Dietary advice should be tailored
to each individual, but general guidelines for diabetes management include the
following recommendations:
Dietary Recommendations for Diabetes
Carbohydrates
Monitoring your carbohydrates is
a key part of diabetes nutrition therapy and blood sugar control. Aim to get
about 45 grams to 60 grams of carbohydrates at each meal, and opt for mostly
complex carbs, such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. They
slowly release glucose into your bloodstream to keep your blood sugar stable.
Protein
Aim to get 15% to 20% of your
calories from protein.
Fat
Unsaturated fats (e.g., olive
oil, nuts, fish, avocados) are good for you and can help you meet your diabetes
goals. Make those your go-to fats. Limit saturated fats (e.g., butter, cream,
beef) to less than 7% of total calories. Avoid trans fats (check food labels)
altogether.
Fiber
Fiber recommendations for people
with diabetes are the same as those for the general population. Aim to get at
least 25 grams of fiber a day from a variety of sources, including whole
grains, vegetables, fruit, and legumes.
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